Poetry is a unique literary art form that could use some good press, and fortunately, that’s just what Maine’s Poet Laureate Wesley McNair has in mind.

For too long, poetry has been suffering from an image crisis. Certainly, there are many people who appreciate poems and regularly go back to their favorites for inspiration. But for much of the literate public, the very term “poetry” conjures the image of being stuck in a poorly lit room listening to vague descriptions of nature and feelings. Some even have negative memories of learning the forms of poetry in school, being forced to express themselves within the constraints of so many syllables per line. For others, poems are considered the realm of only the erudite, above the understanding of the common person, while still others see them as little more than gibberish.

It’s funny, though, that poetry should be rejected by so many people. After all, a great many of us find deeply personal connections with the lyrics of a song ”“ and that’s nothing more than poetry set to music. Rap, which has become increasingly popular during the past few decades, is the most ubiquitous form of spoken poetry, but we don’t call it that. Through song, poetry is part of daily life for just about everyone, whether they prefer hip hop, rock, country or pop.

And poems clearly aren’t just for high class musings, as anyone can tell you after busting out laughing at a “dirty” limerick ”“ of which there are entire books compiled.

Just like other art forms, poetry has the ability to move us, whether it’s to tears or giggles; gives us a chance to reflect on our common humanity; and allows us to express emotions that simply cannot be conveyed with prose. As well, there is no better way to get to know someone than to experience a work of art that has moved them, as it is a clue to their deepest thoughts and feelings.

Maine poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edward Arlington Robertson and Edna St. Vincent Millay had publications that were bestsellers during their time, noted McNair, but popularity of the form has certainly dropped off. Now McNair, who will share some of his poems at the McArthur Library tonight, is taking an aggressive approach at reintroducing people to poetry ”“ its relevance, its beauty and its role in our lives.

His goal is “to have Maine poems by Maine poets on refrigerators across the state,” he told the Journal Tribune earlier this week. He’s already taken a significant step toward that effort by collaborating with the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance to have Maine poems published in more than 30 newspapers throughout the state, including this one. What’s easier than clipping out a poem from the newspaper and throwing a magnet on it so it can be shared with visitors?

For those who would be unlikely to own a book of poems, perhaps seeing one in the paper will help them reconnect with this art form, and we applaud the alliance for agreeing to work with McNair on this project.

McNair has many other plans, too, which include a Maine Poetry Express project, featuring readings with local poets in stops throughout the state; posting videos of readings on YouTube; and using a website to bring poetry into the schools.

We hope these efforts to bring poetry back to the masses are successful. It’s time we all acknowledge that poetry is for everyone and within everyone. We all have something to gain from it, whether it’s better understanding our friends, ourselves or our world.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski, on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.